A17385:1062
A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle general of St.…A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle generall of St.…
A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle general of St. Peter Wherein are most judiciously and profitably handled such points of doctrine as naturally flow from the text. Together with a very useful application thereof: and many good rules for a godly life. By Nicholas Byfield preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex. To which is now newly added an alphabetical table, not formerly published.A commentary upon the three first chapters of the first Epistle generall of St. Peter VVherin are most judiciously and profitably handled such points of doctrine as naturally flow from the text. Together with a very usefull application thereof: and many good rules for a godly life. By Nicholas Byfield preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex. To which is now newly added an alphabeticall table, not formerly published.
London: printed by Miles Flesher and Robert Young, 1637
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
First, that the doctrine of salvation of Gods people is a subject able to fill the contemplation of the divinest and wisest men: The Prophets have a subject able to fill them; yea more than they are able to conceive of to the full: which may serve for two uses: First, for humiliation, that we should be so barren-hearted, and able to conceive so little of so divine a subject, seeing the Prophets are so taken up with continual study and care about it. Secondly, for singular consolation to the godly. For by this it appeareth, that they have an admirable portion, in that such worthy men so much admire it.
First, that the doctrine of salvation of Gods people is a subject able to fill the contemplation of the divinest and wisest men: The Prophets have a subject able to fill them; yea more than they are able to conceive of to the full: which may serve for two uses: First, for humiliation, that we should be so barren-hearted, and able to conceive so little of so divine a subject, seeing the Prophets are so taken up with continuall study and care about it. Secondly, for singular consolation to the godly. For by this it appeareth, that they have an admirable portion, in that such worthy men so much admire it.
Secondly, that as any have more grace, so they are more heartily affected with the estimation and desire after the salvation of Gods elect. The Prophets foresaw the rising of many great Kings and Monarchs, that should afterwards in several successions enjoy a marvellous glory in this world; yet they leave looking and wondering at them, and are now taken up with the consideration of the glory of the abject Gentiles, as finding more perfection in their calling into the kingdom of Christ, then they could behold in the greatest Princes of the earth. Certainly so long as we can admire any thing more than the grace of God to his people, our hearts are void of grace.
Secondly, that as any have more grace, so they are more heartily affected with the estimation and desire after the salvation of Gods elect. The Prophets foresaw the rising of many great Kings and Monarchs, that should afterwards in severall successions enjoy a marvellous glory in this world; yet they leave looking and wondring at them, and are now taken up with the consideration of the glory of the abiect Gentiles, as finding more perfection in their calling into the kingdome of Christ, then they could behold in the greatest Princes of the earth. Certain'y so long as we can admire any thing more than the grace of God to his people, our hearts are void of grace.